Braves sign Matt Capps and Jose Veras to minor league deals

The Atlanta Braves have added a pair of veteran arms on minor league contracts. Both Matt Capps and Jose Veras will receive an invitation to spring training with the Braves after reaching deals on Tuesday.

Capps, a former closer with the Pirates, has been out of the big leagues since 2012 as he has dealt with shoulder issues. He has to be seen as a longshot to contribute to the Braves but since it is only a minor league deal there is nothing to lose here.

Verras will also report to spring training with the Braves as he joins Capps vying for a bullpen spot.

The 34-year-old holds a 3.70 ERA and 9.8 K/9 rate over the last five seasons. He spent the 2014 season split between the Astros and Cubs.